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Paul Misener, vice president for global public policy at Amazon, has sent a letter thanking the Senate for introducing the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would let states collect sales tax from online retailers once they simplify tax law. "Amazon.com has long supported a simplified nationwide approach that is evenhandedly applied and applicable to all but the smallest volume sellers," Misener wrote.

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Paul Misener, vice president for global public policy at Amazon, has sent a letter thanking the Senate for introducing the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would let states collect sales tax from online retailers once they simplify tax law. "Amazon.com has long supported a simplified nationwide approach that is evenhandedly applied and applicable to all but the smallest volume sellers," Misener wrote.

Amazon attended a Senate hearing about the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2011, which would expand the collection and remittance of sales tax to all states, as opposed to only states in which online retailers have physical presence. "Congress should enact S. 1832 to protect the states' rights, address the states' fiscal needs and level the playing field for all sellers," said Paul Misener, Amazon's vice president for global public policy.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie voiced support for the Marketplace Fairness Act during a Wednesday press conference to announce Amazon's plans to build two fulfillment in the state and start collecting sales tax from in-state shoppers. Christie's support comes amid NRF's 60-day push to raise awareness and support for the federal measure, which would allow states to require online retailers to collect sales tax.

Small businesses have delayed hiring, buying supplies and acquiring real estate, as they wait for the Senate to vote on a stalled small-business-aid bill that includes tax breaks and waived loan fees. The bill also includes a $30 billion fund that would assist banks with making loans to small businesses. Congress won't be in session for two more weeks, and many small businesses are waiting it out to see what happens.